Ritual mourning for unresolved grief after abortion

There is a popular consensus in the medical profession and the laity that spontaneous and induced abortions have few psychologic sequelae. A review of the literature reveals that this is not true; the incidence of symptoms ranges from 7% to 41%. Even when symptoms occur, they are said to be negated by the positive emotional responses that occur. We have accumulated clinical experience relating these experiences to the development of severe psychopathology that we believe arises out of unresolved grief. Abortions affect not only the women but also their "significant others." We present case reports that illustrate some of the sequelae, and we offer a method of treatment using spiritual intervention to resolve the grief.